Tehri Dam & Lake
The Grandeur of Tehri Reservoir: Tehri Dam is a colossal engineering feat located at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers in the Tehri Garhwal district. Standing at a height of 260.5 meters, it is the tallest dam in India and one of the highest in the world. The dam was commissioned in 2006 and has since become a major landmark for both its utility and its tourism potential. The construction of the dam led to the creation of the massive Tehri Lake, an artificial reservoir spanning approximately 42 square kilometers. This lake has completely transformed the landscape, turning a once-dry valley into a vibrant emerald-green water body surrounded by rolling hills. The old town of Tehri was submerged during the process, and a modern township, New Tehri, was established on the hills overlooking the lake. Today, the dam is a primary source of hydroelectricity, generating about 1,000 MW, and provides irrigation and drinking water to large parts of Northern India. For tourists, the main attraction is the vast lake, which has been developed into a premier destination for water sports. The scale of the dam is truly "jaw-dropping," and viewing it from the designated viewpoints gives one a sense of the sheer power of human engineering. The lake's surface reflects the changing colors of the sky, creating a picturesque setting for photography and relaxation. The area has become a hub for adventure seekers who flock here for activities like jet-skiing and paragliding. Despite the controversy surrounding its construction, the dam stands as a symbol of modern India's developmental spirit. The serene environment of the lake, coupled with the backdrop of the rugged mountains, makes it a must-visit spot for those staying in Dhanaulti or Mussoorie. It is a place where industrial might meets the quiet beauty of the Himalayas.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 4-6 HoursPlace Type:
Category: Adventure / Lake / Engineering MarvelEntry Fees:
Activity Based Costs: Entry to the lake area is generally FREE, but each water sport has its own charge. Boating can cost between Rs.300-500, while jet-skiing and other adventure sports can range from Rs.500 to Rs.2000 per person. ...Activity Based Costs: Entry to the lake area is generally FREE, but each water sport has its own charge. Boating can cost between Rs.300-500, while jet-skiing and other adventure sports can range from Rs.500 to Rs.2000 per person.Timing:
Regular Timings: The lake area is accessible from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM for water sports.
Ideal Visit Time: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM is ideal for water activities as the sun is bright and the water is inviting. ...Regular Timings: The lake area is accessible from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM for water sports.
Ideal Visit Time: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM is ideal for water activities as the sun is bright and the water is inviting.Special Events:
Tehri Lake Festival: This is an annual grand event organized by the tourism department. It features aerial sports, water sports, and cultural performances by local artists, making it the best time to experience the lake's vibrancy. ...Tehri Lake Festival: This is an annual grand event organized by the tourism department. It features aerial sports, water sports, and cultural performances by local artists, making it the best time to experience the lake's vibrancy.Best Photo Spots:
Lake Horizons and Dam Heights:
Tipri Viewpoint: This provides the most comprehensive view of the dam wall and the lake together.
Koti Colony: This is where most boating happens; the colorful boats against th...Lake Horizons and Dam Heights:
Tipri Viewpoint: This provides the most comprehensive view of the dam wall and the lake together.
Koti Colony: This is where most boating happens; the colorful boats against the deep green water make for excellent action and lifestyle shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Adventure and Exploration:
High-Speed Water Sports: The lake is the center for adventure. You can go Jet-Skiing, which is a high-adrenaline activity. Skimming across the emerald water at high speeds is an unforgettable experience. Trained instructors are available to guide you through the process.
Banana Boat Rides: This is a fun group activity where an inflatable boat is pulled by a motorboat. It is great for friends and families who don't mind getting a bit wet. The "Hotdog" ride is another variation that offers similar excitement and laughter.
Paragliding over the Lake: For those who want to soar, paragliding is available nearby. Flying over the massive expanse of Tehri Lake provides a unique view of the dam and the submerged valley. It is one of the mos...Adventure and Exploration:
High-Speed Water Sports: The lake is the center for adventure. You can go Jet-Skiing, which is a high-adrenaline activity. Skimming across the emerald water at high speeds is an unforgettable experience. Trained instructors are available to guide you through the process.
Banana Boat Rides: This is a fun group activity where an inflatable boat is pulled by a motorboat. It is great for friends and families who don't mind getting a bit wet. The "Hotdog" ride is another variation that offers similar excitement and laughter.
Paragliding over the Lake: For those who want to soar, paragliding is available nearby. Flying over the massive expanse of Tehri Lake provides a unique view of the dam and the submerged valley. It is one of the most scenic paragliding spots in the country.
Boating and Kayaking: If you prefer a slower pace, you can rent a pedal boat or a kayak. Kayaking allows you to explore the smaller inlets of the lake at your own rhythm. It is a peaceful way to enjoy the water and the surrounding hills.
Dam Viewpoint Visit: Go to the designated viewpoint near the Bhagirathipuram bus stop. From here, the entire scale of the dam and the spillway is visible. It is the best place to understand the engineering layout of the project.
Houseboat Stay: If available, spending time on a houseboat is a unique luxury. It allows you to experience the lake's beauty at different times of the day, especially during the quiet moonlight hours when the water reflects the stars.
Angling and Fishing: The lake is home to various fish species. With proper local permits, you can spend a quiet afternoon fishing along the banks. It is a relaxing activity that allows you to soak in the natural beauty of the Tehri region.
Information
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Why Famous:
Tallest Dam in India: The site is famous for being the Tallest Dam in the country, attracting engineering students and tourists alike to witness its scale.
Adventure Hub: It is the most famous destination in Uttarakhand for organized Water S...Tallest Dam in India: The site is famous for being the Tallest Dam in the country, attracting engineering students and tourists alike to witness its scale.
Adventure Hub: It is the most famous destination in Uttarakhand for organized Water Sports like jet-skiing, motor-boating, and paragliding over the emerald waters of the Tehri Lake. -
Architecture:
Mega Structure Dimensions: Tehri Dam is a Rock and Earth-fill Embankment dam of monumental proportions, standing at a height of 260. 5 meters (855 ft). Its crest length is 575 meters, with a crest width of 20 meters and an enormous base width of 1,128 meters. The dam was d...Mega Structure Dimensions: Tehri Dam is a Rock and Earth-fill Embankment dam of monumental proportions, standing at a height of 260. 5 meters (855 ft). Its crest length is 575 meters, with a crest width of 20 meters and an enormous base width of 1,128 meters. The dam was designed to withstand extreme seismic activity, given its location in a sensitive geological zone. The architecture includes a sophisticated spillway system with a capacity of 15,540 cubic meters per second. The underground power house is an engineering marvel in itself, carved deep into the mountainside to house massive Francis turbines. The reservoir, Tehri Lake, holds a total capacity of 3. 54 cubic kilometers. The overall design focuses on "seismic stability" and massive water retention, making it one of the most complex structural projects in the country. -
How To Reach:
By Air, Train, and Road:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is about 80-90 KM away via the Chamba route.
By Train: Rishikesh or Dehradun are the nearest stations. Rishikesh is often preferred for a scenic drive.By Air, Train, and Road:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is about 80-90 KM away via the Chamba route.
By Train: Rishikesh or Dehradun are the nearest stations. Rishikesh is often preferred for a scenic drive.
By Road: It is about 50 KM from Dhanaulti. The road is well-paved and follows a winding mountain path through Chamba.
By Local Transport: Private taxis are the best option for a day trip from Dhanaulti. State transport buses also run between Dhanaulti and New Tehri. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal and Daily Guide:
Summer: March to June is perfect for water sports as the weather is warm and sunny.
Post-Monsoon: October to November offers the clearest water and beautiful crisp air.Seasonal and Daily Guide:
Summer: March to June is perfect for water sports as the weather is warm and sunny.
Post-Monsoon: October to November offers the clearest water and beautiful crisp air.
Winter: Daytimes are pleasant, but evenings get very cold. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Chamba (11 KM), 2. Kanatal (35 KM), 3. Dhanaulti (50 KM), 4. New Tehri (5 KM), 5. Dobra Chanti Bridge (15 KM), 6. Surkanda Devi (25 KM), 7. Buda Kedar (59 KM), 8. Sem Mukhem (60 KM), 9. Rishikesh (75 KM), 10. Devprayag (70 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health, Safety, and Connectivity:
Safety: Always wear a life jacket during water sports. Follow the instructions of the boat operators strictly.
Packing: Carry a change of clothes if you plan on doing water ...Health, Safety, and Connectivity:
Safety: Always wear a life jacket during water sports. Follow the instructions of the boat operators strictly.
Packing: Carry a change of clothes if you plan on doing water activities.
Cash and Connectivity: Some operators accept UPI, but keep cash for remote spots. ATMs in New Tehri.
Accommodation: New Tehri has several hotels and the floating huts for a unique stay.
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